Third Test, Antigua (day five):
England 566-9 dec & 221-8 dec v West Indies 285 & 370-9
A brave batting display from the tail-enders saw the West Indies claim a superb draw to deny England a series-levelling victory in Antigua. The home side looked set for defeat at 322-8, but resilient batting from Daren Powell, assisted by Sulieman Benn and Fidel Edwards, rescued the match. Stuart Broad (3-51) took the vital wickets of Ramnaresh Sarwan (106) and Shivnarine Chanderpaul (55). The pair put on 148 runs to give their side the chance to earn a famous draw. LATEST ACTION (ALL TIMES GMT)  | 606: DEBATE |
e-mail tms@bbc.co.uk (with 'For Paul Fletcher' in the subject), text 81111 (with "CRICKET" as the first word) or use 606. (Not all contributions can be used) 2218: What an incredible day. As the sun sets in Antigua I'd like to thank you all for reading. It has been an absolute pleasure to bring you our live text coverage of the match - hope you enjoyed reading and well done to the West Indies on a superb day five effort. "I rest my case. England yet again, blew a winning position and snatched a draw from the jaws of victory."
Chris Young in the TMS inbox "At the end of the day there are a lot of positives to take out of the Test match. We will continue getting better."
England captain Andrew Strauss tries to take the positives I really must give this guy his right to respond (See 2030): "As honoured as I am to feature in your live text commentary, as a historical researcher, I have to say your use of source material is dubious! I was quoting another person's comment about Anderson, I don't want to get flak I don't deserve - I hope goes on to finish the job here."
PPMUSS via the TMS inbox 2208: What an incredible last Day - and huge shades of Old Trafford, 2005, when England just failed to defeat Australia. England really should have won this match and lots of questions will undoubtedly be asked about the declaration on day four. Andrew Strauss' team go into the fourth Test one down in the series. "While Edwards was changing his gloves, I was changing my under pants - this is so nerve-racking!"
Matthew in NJ, USA, via the TMS inbox "Win or not, this has been totally pathetic from England. The Windies were in a much worse position than England were at the start of the last innings in the last Test. But what happened then, and now, England capitulate. Where are our match winners? Who is stepping up to the plate?"
Paul Watson via the TMS inbox 2205: "The Aussies, if they were interested at all, would be laughing in their digger bags - or whatever they wear under their kilts these days."
Stephen Cook via the TMS inbox 2203: What an effort by the West Indies - it will feel like a victory to them but a defeat for England. What an incredible advert for Test cricket. really, really remarkable. "Whatever happens this has been a great advert for Test match cricket. Should the Windies hold on then that is huge for them and what an effort that would be."
eirebilly on 606
Join the debate on 606 2202: Light meter out. The light is offered - and they take it. MATCH DRAWN. 2201 West Indies 370-9
Powell sees the over out. Will there be another? 2201 West Indies 370-9
Swann to Powell. The first one does not bounce but Powell keeps it out. Flatter from Swann. Every blocked delivery brings cheers from the crowd. Swann tosses one right up and Powell smashes in into the ground and into KP, who leaves the field. 2159 West Indies 370-9
KP to Powell. The West Indies are stepping up the time wasting - and who can blame them. Everyone is around the bat - no men in the deep at all. Powell takes a single, bringing Edwards on to strike. Three balls left. Block, block, block. End of over. Perhaps one more over. 2156: A brief conference between the umpires. Light, obviously, the subject matter. KP is on. How much longer can we have? Six overs are left. They will never get all those in. 2155 West Indies 369-9
Edwards to face Swann. Defence is the name of the game for Fidel. There are four me short of the off side and two on the on side. Edwards blocks very well and sees out the over. "Would a primal scream be any help in this situation, do you think?"
Ryushinku on 606
Join the debate on 606 2153 West Indies 369-9
Freddie bowls. Edwards was not even looking, changing his gloves. Comic scenes in amongst the incredible tension. The last delivery flies past the outside edge. 2151 West Indies 369-9
A bouncer from Freddie. A wasted delivery. 2151 West Indies 369-9
Flintoff with another full delivery. Powell just gets some bat on it. They take two runs. 2150 West Indies 367-9
Flintoff yorker. How does it miss? 2149: Flintoff is back. New bats are brought on for Edwards. Nice time wasting. The light is fading. 2148 West Indies 367-9
Swann on, Powell takes a single off the second delivery, leaving No.11 Edwards on strike. Six plus the keeper round the bat. An edge goes past Colly for a boundary. And another. Edwards turns down the chance for a single. The over ends. 2146: Nine overs left in theory. No chance. 2145 West Indies 362-9
A full delivery from Harmison to Powell. It has lbw written all over it but Powell somehow works the ball away through the on-side. He then edges but the ball drops short of the slips. There is tension all over the place. Home fans, away fans, England players and coaching staff, West Indies players and coaching staff. Powell plays and misses again. Powell takes a single off the penultimate delivery after a mis-field from KP. Harmy has one ball at Edwards and spears it down the leg side. 2141 West Indies 359-9
Swann to Edwards. The fifth ball of the over misses the outside edge by fractions. It was typical of the over. Edwards somehow survives. The light meter is out. This is unbelievable drama. 2138 West Indies 359-9
Tense faces all around the ground. Fidel Edwards is on strike. Strauss clapping encouragement. Edwards plays out the over very well, shouldering arms whenever possible. Edwards pushes through into the covers off the final delivery and they take a single. Crazy. Why do that? 2134 West Indies 358-9
Swann continues. Men all around the bat. Powell on strike. Four byes in the over. The West Indies total is their fifth highest in the fourth innings of a Test match. England's players are running between the overs. Light, light, light. 2131 West Indies 354-9
Harmy continues. England need one wicket. The barmy army are in amazing voice now. Powell tries to pull Harmy out of the ground and, thankfully for him, misses. Harmy is cooking on gas now and softens Powell up with a bouncer. A full length delivery almost creeps through the defences. Light becoming an issue. Drama. Drama. 2126 - WICKET Benn lbw Swann 21, West Indies 353-9
Swann returns - spin could be a good idea. The partnership is with 31 so far. Men all around the bat. It is starting to look a touch dark. The ball hits Benn on the front pad. Turned down. Another appeal follows - a good shout, better than the first, but no joy from umpire Koertzen. Swann hits the front pad again and this time the slow finger of death signals the fall of the wicket of Benn, who trudges slowly off. "Is it only the umpire who can offer the Windies the light? I hope YES, because based on his captaincy so far, Strauss may just do it himself."
SvennGoranEriksson on 606
Join the debate on 606 2118 West Indies 353-8
Harmison is back - and Benn promptly takes him for three runs. Benn does well to keep down a ball that rises sharply. Powell calls for a crazy run and a direct hit from Shah would have given England the breakthrough they now desperately need. It would be agony to fail to win from here. A short time ago the Windies bench looked resigned to defeat. They look pretty interested now. Powell digs out a yorker and profits to the tune of two runs. It is drinks. 2115 West Indies 347-8
Another tasty boundary from Benn, flicking the ball off his toes after an attempted yorker from Broad goes slightly wrong. This has been nothing like the spell from Broad that we saw before tea. Benn plays one with a thickish edge that drops in front of second slip. "What a finish after five days, much better than two hours of crash, bang, wallop. Test cricket is always the most satisfying and gives time for inane chat online."
Roger, Denmark, via the TMS inbox The inane chat is obviously crucial. 2111 West Indies 343-8
Unbelievable shot from Benn, who hits the most laconic six over midwicket with a punchy pick-up. Not much follow through, all timing. Benn turns one off his hip, the ball going close to Cook in short. This is a cracking finish. 2106 West Indies 336-8
Broad opens his over with a wide. You can see why given that the ball flew way over the head of man-mountain Benn. Benn then flicks the ball off his hip for a single, bringing Powell on strike. A stylish leg glance to the rope follows, but then again a very ungainly hook attempt comes later in the over. There are 18 scheduled overs left - though light could have an impact on that. "'Watching' the match on my Blackberry browser up the mountains skiing in Utah. Sounds like a great finish. Please tell us how many overs are left?"
Andrew A via the TMS inbox 2101 - West Indies 330-8
A long spell this for Anderson. Powell looks convincing, massive stride down the wicket and all, but England sense victory. Powell plays and misses. A maiden. The light looks pretty decent at the moment. "Two wickets in 20 minutes since ppmuss' corker on Anderson. Can you say it again please, Mr Muss?"
Sean, Chorlton, via TMS inbox 2057 - West Indies 330-8
Broad is back. Benn is on strike. The barmy army are very much sensing victory. Benn squirms the ball away on the on-side and he and Daren Powell run very hard for three. Some might say somewhat riskily. Powell off the mark with a boundary. Powell then shoulders arms, not bringing the sizeable cordon of slips into play. 2051 - WICKET Ramdin b Anderson 20, West Indies 322-8
Broad loosening up - could he be our matchwinner? Anderson continues, Ramdin on strike. Ramdin gets an inside edge and is bowled. Not a bad knock by him but England are now just two wickets from victory. "Re 1819 - Big-H should be eating their words right now. This is exactly what makes test cricket captivating."
Anonymous via text on 81111 2046 - West Indies 320-7
Fidel Edwards is sat waiting padded up with a towel on his head. Bizarre. Benn sticks his long leg down the track to block out from Swann. 2044 - West Indies 319-7
Freddie back on the field and in the slips. Great stop by Prior after a poor leg-side delivery by Anderson. Later in the over one keeps low and misses the off stump by what might be called a very small margin. Ramdin takes a single and moves on to 20. Lots of field changes, conversations, other methods of wasting time. Bizarrely, by England. Anderson beats Benn all ends up with the final ball of the order. 2038 - West Indies 318-7
Benn cuts Swann to the ropes. Swann has dropped short once too often today for my liking. "Sitting here waiting for the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain to start their gig. Cool band. Following with bated breath on my mobile. Come on England, don't throw it away this time."
Mark in Camden via text on 81111 What can I say? Have fun. 2035 - West Indies 314-7
Benn is on a pair - and how England would love him to get one. Plenty of slips and men in close but a tidy drive nets the big man a single. 2030 - WICKET Taylor c sub (Bell) b Anderson 11, West Indies 313-7
Poor shot by Taylor, who scoops the ball to Bell at midwicket. A wicket for Anderson at last - and ppmuss (see below) starts eating his words. England take another step closer to victory as Sulieman Benn comes to the crease. "What worries me is Jimmy A used to be expensive but a good wicket-taker. Now he seems to be a 'better bowler' and isn't getting any wickets. Has somebody messed with (sorry, improved) his action?"
ppmuss on 606
Join the debate on 606 2028 - West Indies 313-6
Ramdin attempts a cut off Swann. The ball flies through the slips to the fence. Swann has his hands on his head. Ramdin brings up his 1000th Test run. Five men are around the bat, excluding the keeper. Swann drops short and Harmy chases it down, slowly. 26 overs left. No chance. 2025 - West Indies 307-6
Another over from Anderson. England still need another four wickets and time is starting to tick down. Taylor is showing decent, if not entirely convincing, stickability. Taylor shoulders arm to the final ball of the over. A massive appeal follows. I think the suggestion being that Taylor nicked it as he withdrew his arms. He didn't. Flintoff walks off to a standing ovation. "What is the point in bowling Flintoff into an even worse injury? Yes we want to win this Test, but we want to win the Ashes too."
Scunge on 606
Join the debate on 606 "Freddie is an absolute legend, a knackered hip and still bowling 80mph plus - yet again facts and figures cannot do this man justice."
Anonymous via text on 81111 2020 - West Indies 307-6
This is unbelievable. Freddie continues, starting with a bouncer. I think at the end of this spell he will leave the field and have a well-deserved lie down. He is limping on his way back to his mark. Another bouncer, Taylor on his knees and Prior into very athletic action to prevent four byes. Taylor scampers a single. End of the over. Surely his last. 2015 - West Indies 306-6
A massive, massive shout against Taylor after a fuller one from Anderson. Plumb - but the there was an inside edge. So not plumb at all really. A straightish one keeps low and Taylor does well to get an outside edge, otherwise it would have been timber time. 2011 - West Indies 303-6
Wow, I'm surprised, Freddie continues. One really notable delivery. A sensational yorker than Ramdin does very well to dig out. As Sir Viv has just pointed out on TMS, a hint of reverse swing for Freddie. Ramdin tries to drive a fuller ball and almost perishes. Lots of pats on the back for Freddie from his team-mates. A maiden. "Re: 1839 (sorry I couldn't stop myself...) The Buzzcooks. Gayles Aloud. Gayleschool. Shah-ba Ranks. The Shah-men. The Michael Shah-enker Group. "One of my favourite songs is by Faithless - Inswannia... Although I don't think I have a preferred musical style, I'd describe myself as Middle of the Broad... and of course (re: 1907) didn't you mean Lara Branigan?"
Colin, Sharjah, UAE, via the TMS inbox Please, please tell me that did not take long. 2006 - West Indies 303-6
Anderson replaces Swann. The Lancashire lad has yet to take a wicket in this match. Now would be a good time. Taylor takes two off the first delivery and finds the boundary with a streaky edge off the last. Nice footy skills by Jimbo towards the end of the over. Several keepy-ups. The West Indies have reached 300, not that the figure is really relevant. "It has to be foot down now, I can't see it going on until 2200 GMT - the light is bound to be an issue."
Dan, Southampton, via text on 81111 2001 - West Indies 297-6
Prior makes an excellent save to prevent a wide one from Freddie flying to the ropes. Taylor plays a cracking drive that, unfortunately for him, hits the stumps at the non-striker's end. Ramdin hits an unconvincing boundary. Freddie really is labouring. I'm not sure we will see him in action again today. 1957 - West Indies 292-6
Swann bowls most of his over to Ramdin after Taylor scampered a single. Freddie takes his caps off and is set to continue. "This feels like the Old Trafford test back in 2005, trying all day to get the Aussies out. Lets hope we wrap it up this time!!!"
LostProphet93 on 606
Join the debate on 606 1954 - West Indies 291-6
Freddie looks to be in a lot of pain but continues nonetheless. The courage of a lion. Barmy Army in fine, fine voice and almost with something to celebrate but Ramdin just about manages to dig out a full one and then survives a very, very string lbw decision. Freddie looks a touch miffed but there was an inside edge. Four byes off the over. Freddie, perspiring heavily, looks pretty frustrated. 1949 - West Indies 287-6 Jerome Taylor plays out the over - mind you, he almost played-on first ball. England are into the bowlers now. Just keep the foot down. 1945 - WICKET Nash lbw b Swann 23, West Indies 287-6
Nash opts against playing a shot and pays the ultimate price. He looks plumb, a massive appeal ensues and the umpire obliges. England now need to really turn on the heat. What a return to action after scoffing my tea. Not that I had anything to do with it.
1944- West Indies 287-5 Flintoff grits his teeth as he surges up to the stumps for another over and manages to hit the 90mph mark as a rising delivery speeds past the outside edge of Ramdin's bat. That's what you call commitment to the cause - and, as a Yorkshireman, I don't praise the Red Rose brigade very often. Four byes boost the Windies total and with that, my short stint is over. Back to Fletch. 1937- West Indies 281-5
Ramdin is hemmed in by close fielders as England continue the pace-spin policy with Graeme Swann. The Windies keeper reins in his normal attacking instincts as he plays out a tidy maiden over. 1933 - West Indies 281-5
The gallant Freddie seizes the cherry for the first over after tea and soon has Nash squatting like a man stricken with a sudden back spasm as he steps out of the shower (I speak from personal experience). 1930 Right then.....Fletch is tucking into fish and chips to my right, so it's my turn to man the text commentary position for the first time since the 2007 Friends Provident Trophy final. Be gentle with me. "Just used my last excuse not to collect my pregnant wife from Hove station as I am glued to the Internet following the game in Eastbourne (she can get a cab and I expect I will have fish and chips!)."
Dr Aderogba via text on 81111 You can expect all you like - I'm not sure they'll be arriving. The dinner is in the metaphorical bin for you. "There's got to be a win for us here. Broad's on fire and we are seeing the future of English bowling. Give the young guns a chance and let them deliver for us."
Duncan in snowy Austria via the TMS inbox TEA - Harmison's over takes us to tea. England have five wickets left to take to win in what could be a very long final session. Fingers crossed. I'll be back in 10 minutes. "Re: 1839 - How about Chanderpaul Simon, Benn Folds Five and Shah-kira."
Chris, Cheriton Fitzpaine, via TMS inbox 1911 - West Indies 279-5
Nasher the Dasher cuts the ball away for a couple. Would have been four had it not been for a cracking stop from Swann. England's fielding has been generally excellent. Nash does eventually drive Harmy to the ropes. Broad chases it all the way, wasting valuable juice. 1907 - West Indies 273-5
Broad is given a well-earned rest so, with Freddie crocked, Swann is back into the attack. Two runs off the over, while "Gloria" by someone or other blasts out over the stereo system. Laura Branigan, I'm told, sung Gloria. 1903 - West Indies 271-5
Time ticking down to tea, Harmy probing away. Just a single to Ramdin off the over. No real dramas in the over. "Has anybody got any nails left to bite - I've finished mine."
Audiernesghost on 606
Join the debate on 606 1859 - West Indies 270-5
The hugely fired-up Broad charges in, coming round the wicket to Nash. He doesn't make him play often enough in the over. Hold on, Nash nibbles at the last ball of the over and almost feathers it. "Re: 1839 Wishbone Nash? Denesh Mode? Thanks for keeping us in the desert in touch!"
Colin, Sharjah, UAE, via the TMS inbox 1855 - West Indies 270-5
Ramdin does well to somehow keep out a delivery from Harmy that keeps low. He really does not look convincing at all. Harmy lets a decent bouncer go and then appeals for lbw after a fuller one. Daryl Harper keeps his finger in his pocket. Maiden. "My word, is this the birth of Stuart Broad as a strike bowler….I'd buy that for a dollar…"
Paul Mackereth via the TMS inbox 1851 - West Indies 270-5
Ramdin edges his first ball through the very sizeable slip cordon for a boundary. KP was not too far away. Broad runs in, Ramdin is not ready. Broad does not stop and rips out Ramdin's leg stump after the batsman had peeled away. Cheeky. Ramdin works the next - legal - ball away and is probably chuffed to no longer be on strike. Nash ends the over with a well-executed straight drive. We are in the midst of easily the most exciting phase of play so far today. 1845 - WICKET Chanderpaul c Prior b Broad 55, West Indies 261-5
Broad has been sensational with the new ball and persuades Shiv to play at one outside his off stump. Prior does the rest and Shiv's doughty resistance comes to an end. Shiv faced 166 balls. Broad really has been excellent. Denesh Ramdin is on a king pair. 1843 - West Indies 261-4
Strauss tosses the new(ish) ball to Harmy. Big Steve. Our crackerjack. He is going to rip through them 7-12 style, rolling back the years and evoking fond if brutal memories. A sharp bouncer hints at such but Nash looks reasonably comfortable for the remainder of the over, crashing a wide one to the ropes. 1839 - West Indies 257-4
Broad is causing a few problems and draws a rare rash hook stroke from Shiv. The ball spends an age in the air but Harmy cannot quite make up enough ground. Ultimately two runs is the net result. Broad is massively fired up but Shiv is restored to his former calm self and pushes the ball into the gap for a single. Broad comes around the wicket to Nash but throws down a full toss and a run follows that keeps the new man on strike. "All this talk of concerts and bands got me thinking. Some cricketers, or sportsmen in general, have names which are almost the same as band names. I give you... Owaisis."
From David Lichtneker via the TMS inbox Poor David. Not that I can do better. 1833 - West Indies 253-4
Short and very full from Anderson - and Nasher the Basher throws the kitchen sink at it. The ball flies over the slips for four but it could have gone anywhere. A mis-field sees Nash pick up another two. Anderson tries a couple of bouncers that Nash avoids. Short but not all that wide follows - and Nash very rashly tries to cut a ball far too high and close to his body. 1828 - West Indies 247-4
Brendan's on his backside, kissing turf. Nash looks technically poor against the short-pitched stuff - and Broad is certainly testing him. A cracking short ball from Broad results in radical action from the new man at the crease. Broad has a man in short on the on-side, two slips and a gully. Nash tucks the ball off his hip for a single. "This is exactly the reason it is a 'Test' match as it involves upmost skill, technique, patience etc. A big reason why cricket is superior to many other sports...maybe Big-H plays Rugby?"
Scotty, Hampshire, via the TMS inbox 1823 - West Indies 246-4
All happening now. A massive shout against Shiv, but in all fairness Anderson's delivery pitched way outside leg. Well, when I say it is all happening... The rest of the over is business as usual, Shiv blocking out before clipping the ball away for a couple. 1819 - West Indies 244-4
Brendan Nash is out into the middle. His strike rate is 38 runs per 100 balls in Test cricket prior to this match. He ducks out of a short one as Broad finishes a very lively over. 1816 - WICKET Sarwan b Broad 106, West Indies 244-4
The second over with the new ball - and the cherry is in the hands of Stuart Broad. His first one is a lifter outside the off stump that beats Sarwan. The riposte? Sarwan cuts the ball to the ropes in emphatic fashion. Broad's riposte? A straight one that keeps slightly low, hitting the off stump. A great knock from Sarwan - and England finally have their wicket. "This is exactly the reason why so many people dislike cricket which makes it a far inferior sport compared to others...far too much defence and no excitement. Play some shots for the love of God!!!!"
Big-H on 606
Join the debate on 606 1810 - West Indies 240-3
Anderson takes the new ball and beats Sarwan with his first delivery. Not so later in the over when Sarwan cuts the ball to the ropes to bring up three figures. A cracking knock from Sarwan, who brought up his century in 189 balls. His 12th Test hundred. Sarwan takes a single and Jimbo ends the over with one that beats Shiv outside the off stump. Drinks come on to the field. 1805 - West Indies 235-3
Shiv raises his half century in quite some style, whipping the ball off his toes and to the ropes. It is the 51st Test 50 of his remarkable career. Obviously, he blocks the rest of Swann's over. The second new ball is now available. 1803 - West Indies 231-3
Guess what? Sarwan takes a single then Shiv bats out the over, which was bowled by Shah and unremarkable in so many different ways. England are being blocked out of this game. 1800 - West Indies 229-3
A single to Sarwan - said that before. One keeps low from Swann but Shiv deftly opens the face and the ball runs past the slips for a couple. We most definitely seem to be killing time, or at least rushing through the overs, until we reach new ball time. Swann appeals for lbw. No dice, says Rudi. 1757 - West Indies 226-3
More Shah. Sarwan takes a single and then, at last, Shiv scores a run, two to be precise after clipping the ball through the on-side. "Yesterday I said that if these two bat like they can, this is a draw. Just pointing out my powers of precognition."
VonBlade on 606
Join the debate on 606 1755 - West Indies 223-3
Shiv is in ultra-defensive mode. He has been on 42 for 31 balls when Swann offers him a full toss. Still no run, so just a single to Sarwan off the over. 1751 - West Indies 222-3
And who do we turn to next? Owais Shah of course, with his off-spin. He has a record of 22 first-class wickets at a cost of 60 runs each. His over includes a no-ball and almost a wicket when Sarwan chops one quite close to Colly at slip. Sarwan, who plunders a few runs, looks quite excited at the appearance of a part-time bowler. Shiv, as always, blocks. 1748 - West Indies 214-3
Freddie, bowling in the low eighties, seems to be looking for that 'ridge' in the middle of the track. He isn't too far away but the pitch isn't radically misbehaving. A single off the over. I don't wish to be unnecessarily critical but the declaration is starting to look, well, dodgy? "Monty Panesar would have been a very difficult and crucial proposition in this innings."
Sir Vivian Richards on TMS 1744 - West Indies 213-3
More Swann. More unspectacular yet effective and relatively alarm free accumulation of runs by the duo at the crease. It must be massively frustrating bowling at someone like Shiv. Block, block, block, block. He is doing a massive job for his team. "I went to Princes Square in Bristol to see 'Massive Attack' supported by 'The Streets' on a huge summer bill. Instead, my friend and I shared a bottle of Vodka, tucked into some superb cider and then fell asleep lying on the ground about ten yards from the stage, where we remained, comatose, until the whole thing finished and the security woke us up to send us home. Classic - must do that again!"
Mark Pritchard via the TMS inbox 1740 - West Indies 212-3
Sarwan plays a cracking back-foot drive off Freddie, the ball running to the ropes. Then a moment of real alarm for the batsman as a straight one keeps very low. He does brilliantly to get some bat on that. It is with moments like this that England's are seeing their hopes slowly starting to crumble. "Re epic concerts - My mate convinced me to go to a 'prog-rock festival'. We watched one band perform a single song for 3 hours, another band follow that with a 4 hour set, and then the headline band came on stage and said "Good evening Whitchurch! We are here to rock you through to the morning". I cried."
Jon Tattersall, Birmingham, UK, via the TMS inbox "Good evening Whitchurch" - as a rock star you know you have made it when you says those revered words. 1737 - West Indies 207-3
Swann returns - hence the new guard from Shiv, who either defends or leaves. Another maiden. 1735 - West Indies 207-3
Freddie seems to be working towards a slightly longer approach to the crease. Sarwan is 22 runs shortly of a century. The batsman clips the ball off his toes from the final ball off the over - it is brilliantly stopped at short midwicket by Cook. Another maiden. The music starts, as it always does between the overs. Shiv knocks a bail into the pitch as he takes his guard again. 1730 - West Indies 207-3
England continue to toil as they look for a breakthrough. Harmy goes around the wicket to Shiv, who again deal superbly with a short one. Colly is lurking round the corner. Clearly a ploy. Shiv hit on the pads. Hmm, that will be thigh pad, hence no appeal. Harmy strokes the facial hair on his chin. He then fires one down leg that thuds into the boundary boards for four byes. 1727 - West Indies 202-3
Freddie again - not sure how many he will be bowling today. Sarwan plays a very attractive on-drive - hardest shot in the book that - but he finds a fielder. A Sarwan single ends the over. Not the greatest drama I have ever witnessed. "I almost lapsed into a coma watching the Arctic Monkey Reserves...or Last Shadow Puppets as rear-kissing journos say."
Anon via text on 81111 1723 - West Indies 201-3
Harmy digs one in to Shiv, who climbs majestically on to his toes and shows lovely soft hands to drop the ball close to his toes. Deft in the extreme. A big appeal from England after the ball strikes Shiv on the pads. The ball pitched way outside leg. A maiden. But it is wickets and not economy that England need. "I was one of the ones who saw cricket as the posh, tea-sipping sport of the pansies until the one-day World Cup, when Ireland ripped it up! Am now a convert to such an extent that I'm following a Test Match between WI and England. Come on the Windies!"
RARD *Keano - Red Legend, Prem's Greatest* on 606
Join the debate on 606 1714 - West Indies 201-3
Hello. Here he is - the bearded Freddie into the attack, coming in off a short run. Sarwan helps himself to a single with a push into the off side and the West Indies 200 comes up. Not exactly steaming in the big man. A single to Shiv this time. Tick, tock, tick tock. Time running down in this Test match. 1714 - West Indies 199-3
Harmy sends down the first over after lunch and it is business as usual as both Sarwan and Shiv help themselves to singles. Freddie still in the slips under shades as Sarwan runs the ball away on the onside for another run. Harmy then goes past Shiv's outside edge and puts his hands on his head. 1705: Not long until play resumes. There are 16 overs until the new ball is available. "Re - epic concerts - I went to see The Verve's homecoming gig in Wigan, tried one of the "legendary" local pies, got food poisoning, missed the concert and spent the next few hours in a St John's Ambulance tent. Anyone else slept through a gig?"
Simon Fazakerley via the TMS inbox "Lets not all get freaked out just yet, it may only take one wicket to change the whole complexion of this final day."
eirebilly
Join the debate on 606 "If these two can put on another 120 before tea without loss, I'd really fancy a Windies win. However I've got faith that we can still do this. Once we get one, the rest could fall."
ArgieWizard
Join the debate on 606 LUNCH INTERVAL - I'm off for a brief screen break but I'll be back for the afternoon session. Will England actually take any wickets today? "I saw Blackmore's Rainbow at Preston Guildhall. They blew up a magnesium flare that left everyone blind for 15 seconds. I'm sure it's the reason I'm typing with one eye covered after my cataract op. Maybe I could be an umpire?"
Derek via the TMS inbox 1633 - West Indies 196-3
Final over before lunch and the 100 partnership comes up with a nurdler from Sarwan. Shiv pads up and some of the England boys exercise their lungs. Nothing more than that really. That is lunch - and England are nowhere nearing winning this Test match than an hour or so ago. Still there are, in theory, 68 overs left in the day. 1629 - West Indies 193-3
Broad, sunscreen on nose, pulls some pretty decent expressions as he makes his way back to his mark. What is he thinking about? How England have failed to close out this Test match perhaps? He is persisting is coming around the wicket to Shiv and back over to Sarwan, both of whom are keeping the scoreboard ticking over. 1625 - West Indies 188-3
Not long until lunch. What has Strauss got up his sleeve? Sarwan plays forward to one off Swann. A big appeal for a bat-pad catch by Cook in short but Rudi Koertzen spoils the party. I'm not sure he hit it and I'm not sure Cook caught it. Apart from that... "I wonder what the response will be if they ask Pietersen if he would have followed on!!"
virenindaheath on 606
Join the debate on 606 1621 - West Indies 187-3
All very, very comfortable for the West Indies. Shiv and Sarwan have negotiated the first hour of the day without too many alarms. Broad runs in with earnest intent, mixing it up with the odd slower ball, but he has caused them few alarms. "I went to see a Simply Red concert once with a new lady (her suggestion). it seemed to last about 14 hours.
Jon, Manchester via text on 81111 1618 - West Indies 184-3
An unremarkable over from Swann until one spits and bounces. Colly takes a brilliant, brilliant catch. Alas there was no bat involved. 1615 - West Indies 183-3
Sarwan picks up a single and Broad comes around the wicket to the limpet-like Shiv, who seems intent on attaching himself to the crease. An attempted pull through midwicket is hardly convincing, yet strangely effective. A deep breath from Broad and England continue to toil. Will we see Freddie at all? If not, why have him on the field? 1610 - West Indies 180-3
Swann continues. Too straight and Shiv works him away for a single. Momentary excitement follows when the ball spurts off Sarwan's bat from a forward defensive but it falls to ground before Strauss, in short, can snaffle it up. Sarwan shrewdly rotates the strike. "I remember a band from the 80s called Live Aid - they only played one gig but it was an absolute monster."
Jason, Twickenham via text on 81111 1606 - West Indies 178-3
Another change as Stuart Broad comes into the attack. No real dramas for the batsman until Shiv shoulders arms at one. Broad appeals and it was clearly too close to leave but the ball did appeal to be missing off stump. Hawkeye agrees. Just a single off the over. "Re' 15:47. I too saw the House of Love and the Fall at the Preston Guildhall - the House of Love were bobbins and The Fall played with the house lights on. Very weird. But quite funny. I also used to work at the Guildhall in Preston and took some ice to Bucks Fizz. (the group post Jay Aston sadly)."
Simon in Preston via the TMS inbox Yes, but were they better than Rush? 1601 - West Indies 177-3
Swann into the action and immediately driven through the on-side by Shiv. Good stop by Broad. Swann then goes past Sarwan's outside edge. Jaffa. Swann throws one up and Sarwan crashes it to the cover boundary. Emergency action from the man in short, who almost loses a leg. "The Barmy Army have a wireless laptop and are following your commentary. That's why they kicked off yesterday when you accused them of wilting. Spooky mind control."
Richard G at the ARG Technology or what. Well, we'll be keeping an eye on them today. I cannot help but feel they have a key role to play today if spirits start to flag in the field. 1556 - West Indies 172-3
Anderson in again, down the leg side and, indeed, all the way to the rope. No chance for Matt Prior. Sarwan imperiously cuts for four and then signals to the boundary. Could be time for new gloves. 1551 - West Indies 164-3
Sarwan hooks the first away for a single. Mis-direction from Harmy and the finest of touches results in a very fine boundary for Shiv. He tickles the next to square for a single and the Guyanese is starting to look very settled. Single to Sarwan and Shiv is back on strike. Harmy goes around the wicket and passes the outside edge. 1547 - West Indies 157-3
Anderson continues. Shiv is starting to put bat on ball, ominously perhaps, but he finds the field off the first two deliveries. He leaves the third and plays out the remainder of the over. "Harrumph, there is nothing wrong with liking Rush! Mammoth gigs, extensive drum solos, silly high voices. Canada's greatest export IMHO... "But if you want long gigs, then Rush aren't your men (unfortunately) I went to see Carter USM at Preston Guildhall in 1992 and they were so bad the gig felt like it lasted several years.
Andrew in Marsden via the TMS inbox I saw House of Love at Preston Guildhall and then The Fall one week later. Mark E.Smith taught Guy Chadwick a musical lesson IMHO. This, of course, was some time ago. 1542 - West Indies 157-3
The West Indies duo briefly consider a quick single but Colly is lurking at mid-off and Sarwan is sent back. No drama. Sarwan opens the face next ball and collects a couple that brings up his 32 Test match half century. Harmy has bowled well so far today but is starting to look a little frustrated. "Is it just me or does Giles Clarke remind anyone else of Richard Richard from BBC2's Bottom?"
Stokell85 on 606
Join the debate on 606 1538 - West Indies 155-3
The first boundary of the day comes from the blade of Shiv, who leans into a wide one and drives it the covers. Anderson's riposte is a fuller delivery that goes past the outside edge. "You have to get top batsmen early. The occasionally play bad shots but not often."
Geoff Boycott on TMS "On the subject of music, well done to Iron Maiden for the Brit award for "Best Live Act", they should have been recognised for awesome live performances years ago. What's the connection with cricket? - none except their manager is regularly one of the Barmy Army. I did meet with Bruce Dickinson whilst on holiday in the Windies a few years ago, so there's a connection!"
Grover7 on 606
Join the debate on 606 1535 - West Indies 151-3
Decent work. Harmy finds his line and length, just outside the off stump of Chanderpaul. He goes past Shiv's outside edge a couple of times before a straighter one is worked away for a single. A big shout for lbw off the final ball of the over, but umpire Koertzen is having none of it. Perhaps sneaking down leg but no issues with height. 1530 - West Indies 150-3
Wideish from Anderson and Shiv drives him through the covers for three. Sarwan struggles to keep out a full one and is then beaten all ends up by a corker from the Lancastrian. Anderson is looking to trap Sarwan in his crease and thus bowling a fuller length. The last delivery of the over stays very low indeed. Had it been straight it would have been bye bye Sarwan. 1526 - West Indies 147-3
Harmy to Sarwan. A maiden but no real alarms. No big panic thus far for the West Indies, which is bad news given that I have a flight very early in the morning. "Re 1445 Andy - I'm from a South American country and used to think that Cricket was a cards game. After six years following it I believe I know better now. To me it's a clever version of baseball (no disrespect to baseball fans), although sometimes too clever for its followers sake. Do I understand Cricket? Absolutely no, but one can argue that no one fully understands cricket. Wait until the Ashes start and hopefully your colleague will get into the cricket vibe without the need to comprehend the rules. Come on England."
Aficionado in London via the TMS inbox 1523 - West Indies 147-3
Jimbo opens from the other end and Shiv and Sarwan help themselves to singles as the Burnley Express works on his radar. The last delivery keeps very low. 1518 - West Indies 145-3 Harmy opens up for England - zoning in on a leg-stump line - and Sarwan moves off strike. Freddie is at second slip, clapping encouragement. Harmy looks to bowl outside Shiv's off stump - and gets one to bounce and lift. More of that please. A single off the final ball of the over. "Please let 'Pete in a grey Norwich' know that if he goes to the two-day England warm up game this Sunday/Monday at the Windward ground in Barbados, he'll be able to get 4 beers for $10 (about 3 quid). Now that's what I call a bargain!"
Brendan (in a much sunnier Barbados) via the TMS inbox Pete - you reading? "Re epic stints………I expected the name Grateful Dead to appear first. They regularly clocked in at four hours plus, although it seemed longer. I seem to recall the Floyd doing an all-nighter at the Alexandra Palace in the 60s but, in that case, everyone was too wasted to check their watches."
Bill via the TMS inbox 1508: OK, lunch will now take place at 12.30 local time, 1630 GMT. The afternoon session starts at 1710 GMT and will go on until 1910 GMT, with the final session starting at 1930. Light permitting, play could continue until 2200. "Re: Adam and the free Lord's ticket. I turned down a holiday to Portugal on the off chance that I may win Ashes tickets in a ballot! It better be worth it come September!"
simonf2906 via 606
Join the debate on 606 "Re epic set lists that never seem to finish... Ken Dodd?"
James, pretending to make bedroom furniture, Macclesfield via text on 81111 You're not the first to mention Ken Dodd, which I find absolutely remarkable. You could knock me over with a tickling stick. 1457: The word on Freddie is that he might bowl in short bursts today if required. "Re 1433 - Paul, free jazz/Latin prog-rock types The Mars Volta are renowned for having sets close to a non-stop three hours, not bothering with support acts, and generally extending most of their songs by about 500% in length."
Tim Miller via the TMS inbox Alot of people are talking about prog rock outfit Rush in this regard. I know someone who is a very big Rush fan. Not a cool trait. 1450: Play will start at 1515 GMT, which means we will have lost 75 minutes play. I wonder to what extent that will have improved the West Indies prospects of a draw? Then again, the wicket might be a little damp now and ultimately help England. "Re Simone - And yet it's £40 for all 5 days in Barbados, which is where myself and 10 other Norwich City fans will be in a few days. Happy Days."
Pete in a grey Norwichvia the TMS inbox "I've just had to turn down a free ticket to Lords from a friend of my Dad's for the second year in a row! Gutted! Was in Japan last time, and in…erm…Suffolk (Latitude Festival) this year!"
Adam via the TMS inbox Adam, you need to take a long, hard look in the mirror and work out whether you like what you see. 1445: I'm trying to find out if we have an official start time yet. Put it this way, the covers are off the pitch now. "Paul, any idea how to explain the game to foreigners? I've just tried explaining to a colleague from the South American country well known for a marmalade loving bear and gave up when she couldn't get beyond the idea of bowling from both ends and deemed it 'pointless'!"
Andy in Tooting Tricky, I have enough trouble explaining it to the wife. All that in and out business. You have two sides, one out in the field and one in. Each man that's in the side that's in goes out... 1433: So how do you dismiss Shivarine Chanderpaul? The world's number one batsman hasn't exactly set this series alight, so he's due one of his crease-occupying stays that rivals a Metallica gig in length. Any other bands noted for their epic set lists that never seem to finish? England's biggest obstacle "Just been on the Lord's website. The Ashes ballot has started. Nice to see that the tickets are 'competitively' priced at a shade under 100 quid each! "And you are only allowed two per person per purchase! When I go to the cricket I need at least three friends with me. One to hold the whip and get the beers, one to take the mickey out of all day and one to peel me off the floor of the wolf blass tent after three hours drinking during the rain delay."
Simone via the TMS inbox Cue floods of people abandoning this website and heading to Lord's. Those tickets - a bargain, every single one. 1422: Sun still shining. Groundsmen still working. Covers slowly coming off. The forecast is for showers. Could be very much an on and off job today. "There was always a chance of some rain - surely Strauss should have declared slightly earlier. I would say a 450 to 460 lead would have been more than enough. If they don't win (although the chances are they will easily) then it would be close to a disaster with the position they were in."
Bobby via the TMS inbox If only Strauss had nothing to declare but his genius. He seems to have pleased nobody with the timing of his declaration on Wednesday. "My mate Dan sent you an email that he reckons is so funny it is absolutely guaranteed to get posted up on the site. I don't know what his comment is but, to be honest, he's never had a funny day in his life. Please don't post it up, though, I couldn't bare it."
Mick, Birmingham, via the TMS inbox Either he is having technical problems or I am, but it hasn't appeared yet. 1411: Lots of concern about Freddie at the moment. He has a hip injury that is anything but cool as far as England are concerned. Freddie is on the ground holding a bat (something he did not do for long out in the middle during the actual match). He looks pretty relaxed, though no-one seems sure how injured he is and for how long he will be able to bowl, if at all, today.
Khan & Bopara cover for Flintoff 1405: The England players are starting to go through some gentle warm-ups. There is definitely a football on the pitch being kicked around. I guess they do play football at the ARC now, though I hope the England lads have got the right stud. 1400: The sun is, officially, shining. Strike a light. Or whatever it was that Finlay Quaye once sang. Musical knowledge is not my strong point. There is still quite a drying out job to do before play can start. "I cannot see play starting for the best part of an hour. The super sopper should be on top of the covers. Stop messing about."
Geoff Boycott on TMS 1350: Plenty of groundsmen on the field now, natty in their red T-shirts. Plenty of holding water on the covers as well. Could take a while to get rid of all that. 1346: A few England players are walking up and down the square close to the pitch. A large sheeting is covering the track and the bowler's run-ups. It appears to have stopped raining. 1344: Just a quick word on a few gremlins in the system this afternoon. No, I'm not on about the ECB but our technology at BBC towers. We have been experiencing a few problems that might affect the availability of the website but we are working very hard to sort them out. 1340: Yep. It is most definitely raining in Antigua, quite hard as well by the look of it. A few spectators are gathered in the stands, looking on optimistically. I'll have firm weather-related news as soon as possible. 1330: Now then. Who would have thought we'd have been anticipating the start of day five at the Antigua Recreation Ground? When the prospect of playing a Test at the ARC was initially suggested everyone wondered what sort of pitch could be produced at short notice. And after Chris Gayle mentioned ridges running across it I had visions of a Test done and dusted in a couple of days. All of which would have rather suited me since I am off on holiday first thing on Friday morning. Instead we have an intriguing final day in store, with Andrew Strauss's team seven wickets from victory. But is Freddie fit to bowl? Will Shivnarine Chanderpaul doggedly shoulder arms to several hundred deliveries? And will the rain clear up to allow any sort of drama to unfold in the first place? All of these most pressing questions will doubtless be answered over the next few hours.
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